Constructed during the 1860s and 1890s, the RAMM was initially proposed by Sir Stafford Northcote as a memorial to Prince Albert. Known originally as the Devon and Exeter Albert Memorial, the complex comprised a museum, art gallery, library, reading room, school of art, and school of science. The memorial's library separated from the institution in 1930, the school of science ultimately became Exeter University, and the school of art is now Plymouth University's Faculty of Art and Education. Following these shifting occupancies, the museum eventually expanded to fill the entire building. The RAMM is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion which will add off-site storage space, complete redisplay of the museum's collections, and a new extension and rear entrance. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this project is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
The museum holds permanent collections in archaeology, decorative and fine arts, local and natural history, and ethnographic art. The ethnographic collection is among the more significant in England, having been seeded and developed by the contributions of local families. The collection is particularly strong in West African and Pacific material, some of the latter being objects collected by Captain Cook. The collection of Nigerian sculptures includes an extensive series of Yoruba masks and ceremonial items, as well as Benin bronzes. Highlights of the Oceanic collections include an entire mourning dress, feather helmet, and feather cape from Hawaii.